Marguerite Belafonte, a Scottish-American, achieved recognition for her notable modelling and acting career.
However, her popularity soared even further when she married the renowned singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte. Together they welcomed two daughters into the world.
Following her successful acting tenure, Marguerite shifted her focus towards health-related endeavours and significantly contributed to this field, earning multiple prestigious awards.
This article highlights detailed information regarding Marguerite Belafonte’s life.
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Date Of Birth
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Early Life & Family
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Educational Details
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Professional Career
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Marriage With Harry Belafonte
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Daughters
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Divorce
- Reason Behind Marguerite Belafonte’s Divorce
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Death
- Marguerite Belafonte’s Net Worth
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Marguerite Belafonte |
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1923 |
| Zodiac | Libra |
| Date Of Death | February 15, 1998 |
| Age on Death | 74 |
| Cause of Death | Heart Disease |
| Place of Birth | Washington DC, USA |
| Parents | Robert Byrd and Martena Blue |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Brother | Charles R. Byrd |
| Sister | Beatrice B. Gilkes |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Husband | Harry Belafonte (1948-1957) |
| Famous For | Ex-Wife of Harry Belafonte |
| Profession | Actress and Model |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | Scottish-Jamaican |
| Height | 5feet 6 inch |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eyes Colour | Black |
| Net Worth | Approx $800k |
Marguerite Belafonte’s Date Of Birth
Born on October 12, 1923, Marguerite Belafonte was a native of Washington, United States.
Her zodiac sign was Libra, characterised by a harmonious and diplomatic nature.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Early Life & Family
Marguerite Belafonte hailed from a diverse heritage, being of Scottish-Jamaican descent. Her parents, Robert Byrd and Martena Blue played significant roles in shaping her upbringing.
She shared a close bond with her brother, Charles R. Byrd, and her sister, Beatrice B. Gilkes.
Growing up in Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America, Marguerite belonged to a middle-class family characterised by their comfortable socioeconomic status.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Educational Details
Marguerite Belafonte pursued her education diligently, beginning with attending Dunbar High School, from which she successfully graduated in 1941.
Following her high school education, she enrolled at the Hampton Institute in Washington, D.C., where she focused her studies on Early Childhood Education.
Displaying her commitment to further academic achievements, Marguerite later obtained a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Clinical Psychology from New York University.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Professional Career
Marguerite Belafonte’s professional journey did not initially lead her to acting. Instead, she applied the knowledge and skills acquired during her academic pursuits.
However, her passion for the entertainment industry propelled her forward, eventually enabling her to make a breakthrough as a model and actress.
Marguerite’s talent and dedication led to her gaining recognition, particularly for her notable performances in films like ‘Night of the Quarter Moon.’
Marguerite Belafonte’s Marriage With Harry Belafonte
Marguerite Belafonte and Harry crossed paths during Frances’ time at the Institute while Harry was serving in the Navy.
Frances recognised as a captivating “Campus beauty,” caught the eye of the distinguished young man in uniform. She was not only Harry’s sorority sister but also held a position as a class officer.
Their initial connection was marked by spirited debates on racial and political matters, highlighting their contrasting perspectives.
However, amidst their differences, love blossomed between them, and they found common ground to build their relationship.
In 1948, the couple, who had transformed from polar opposites to passionate lovers, embarked on their marital journey, exchanging vows and commencing a lifelong voyage of love together.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Daughters
In 1949, Marguerite Belafonte and Harry joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Adrienne, into their lives.
A few years passed, and they were blessed with the arrival of their second daughter, Shari Belafonte.
As the years unfolded, Frances and her daughters grew deeply engaged in Harry’s influential political endeavours.
They actively supported him in his commitment to social causes, and as the girls matured, Harry made it a point to include them in various events and concerts.
This allowed them to witness firsthand their father’s impact and connect with the world of music and activism.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Divorce
In a span of less than five years, Marguerite Belafonte’s marriage to Harry encountered significant challenges and ultimately came to an end.
After a period of separation, the actress and her activist husband officially divorced in 1957.
Despite their initial hopes, their marriage could only withstand the trials for less than a decade before reaching its conclusion.
Reason Behind Marguerite Belafonte’s Divorce
As Harry’s career flourished following the success of the film ‘Carmen Jones,’ a notable shift occurred in his demeanour, which strained his relationship with Marguerite. Byrd was increasingly at odds with his evolving lifestyle and the changes it brought.
During their marriage, Harry crossed paths with Julie Robinson, a dancer associated with the Katherine Dunham Company, who possessed a background of Russian-Jewish heritage.
Their acquaintance quickly deepened, and Harry became captivated by her profound understanding of African-American folk culture.
After Marguerite gave birth to their second child, she discovered a series of letters exchanged between her husband and Robinson.
This discovery became the foundation for their subsequent separation, ultimately leading to their divorce a couple of years later.
The existence of these letters played a significant role in the unraveling of their marriage.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Death
Marguerite Belafonte passed away on February 15, 1998.
While some sources attribute her death to a heart ailment, there are lingering speculations surrounding the circumstances of her demise, adding an air of mystery to her passing.
The exact details surrounding her death remain a subject of conjecture and debate.
Marguerite Belafonte’s Net Worth
Marguerite Belafonte’s income and wealth details are not publicly known. As a former model and actress, her net worth was estimated to be around $800k USD.
In contrast, her ex-husband, Harry Belafonte, had an estimated net worth of $30 million at the time of his Death in 2023.
